Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of ZnWO4 catalyst

ZnWO4 powder photocatalyst was prepared by calcining co-precipitated precursor, and its high photocatalytic activity was revealed. The ZnWO4 crystal phase was formed at 450 °C for 4 h. The crystal size and particle size of ZnWO4 powder increased with the increasing of calcination temperature and time. At 500 °C for 4 h, the photocatalyst reaches the highest photocatalytic activity with formaldehyde removal efficiency of 90% within 25 min. Moreover, its photocatalytic activity is almost similar to that of P-25 in degradation of gaseous formaldehyde. ZnWO4 also displayed high photocatalytic activity in aqueous solution for degradation of RhB. The high crystallinity and large surface area are responsible for its high photocatalytic activity.